clean up, convert footnote links to frontlinks, update times per WV:Time and date formats, typos fixed: 90 day → 90-day, etc) → etc.) using AWB
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Revision as of 03:58, 28 April 2015
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''Note that Cypriot cities have a variety of historical spellings and writings, all in fairly common use, and which change according to the context, whether it be Greek Cypriot, Turkish or English. The following list emphasizes traditional English spellings, that will most often be encountered by the traveller.''
''Note that Cypriot cities have a variety of historical spellings and writings, all in fairly common use, and which change according to the context, whether it be Greek Cypriot, Turkish or English. The following list emphasizes traditional English spellings, that will most often be encountered by the traveller.''
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* [[
Nicosia_
(North)|Nicosia]] (''Lefkoşa'' / ''Lefkosia'') - the divided capital, with the untouched beautiful historical buildings in the walled city and an increasingly vibrant city center outside the walls
+
* [[
Nicosia
(North)|Nicosia]] (''Lefkoşa'' / ''Lefkosia'') - the divided capital, with the untouched beautiful historical buildings in the walled city and an increasingly vibrant city center outside the walls
* [[Kyrenia]] (''Girne'' / ''Keryneia'') - a beautiful Mediterranean city with a historical harbor, a castle overseeing it, and under the beautiful Beşparmak/Pentadaktylos mountains, swarming with good seaside hotels, beaches and clubs
* [[Kyrenia]] (''Girne'' / ''Keryneia'') - a beautiful Mediterranean city with a historical harbor, a castle overseeing it, and under the beautiful Beşparmak/Pentadaktylos mountains, swarming with good seaside hotels, beaches and clubs
* [[Famagusta]] (''Mağusa'' / ''Ammochostos'') - home to a beautiful walled town, a ghost quarter under military control, good beaches and a vibrant nightlife
* [[Famagusta]] (''Mağusa'' / ''Ammochostos'') - home to a beautiful walled town, a ghost quarter under military control, good beaches and a vibrant nightlife
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As Northern Cyprus is not an internationally recognized state, the rules for entry are a little confusing, but '''far more relaxed''' than they were just a few years ago, and entry is certainly not difficult.
As Northern Cyprus is not an internationally recognized state, the rules for entry are a little confusing, but '''far more relaxed''' than they were just a few years ago, and entry is certainly not difficult.
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All visitors to Northern Cyprus will need to pass through TRNC immigration, which is fairly painless. Citizens of the European Union, the US, Japan and most other industrialized countries get a visitor visa issued free of charge at the border or green line crossing point. Others will need to apply at "representative offices" (the TRNC has no embassies outside Turkey) in '''London''' (29, Bedford Square, London WC1B 3EG, UK. Tel: +44 20 7631 1920), '''Washington D.C.''' (1667 K. Street, Suite 690, Washington D.C. 20006, USA. Tel: +1 202 887 6198), or '''New York''' (TRNC Office of the Representative, 821 United Nations Plaza, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA. Tel: +1 212 687 2350).
+
All visitors to Northern Cyprus will need to pass through TRNC immigration, which is fairly painless. Citizens of the European Union, the US, Japan and most other industrialized countries get a visitor visa issued free of charge at the border or green line crossing point. Others will need to apply at "representative offices" (the TRNC has no embassies outside Turkey) in '''London''' (29, Bedford Square, London WC1B 3EG, UK. Tel: +44 20 7631 1920), '''Washington D.C.''' (1667 K. Street, Suite 690, Washington D.C. 20006, USA. Tel: +1 202 887 6198), or '''New York''' (TRNC Office of the Representative, 821 United Nations Plaza, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA. Tel: +1 212 687 2350).
When passing a Green Line checkpoint between the Republic and TRNC or entering via air or sea, TRNC immigration will stamp either a piece of paper (which seems to be the norm at the Green Line) or your passport (which seems to be the norm at air and seaports). You can usually get the officer to stamp the other document if you so wish. As TRNC stamps are no longer a problem for later visits to Greece or Cyprus, at least for EU citizens, you may choose whether to have that souvenir stamp in your passport or not.
When passing a Green Line checkpoint between the Republic and TRNC or entering via air or sea, TRNC immigration will stamp either a piece of paper (which seems to be the norm at the Green Line) or your passport (which seems to be the norm at air and seaports). You can usually get the officer to stamp the other document if you so wish. As TRNC stamps are no longer a problem for later visits to Greece or Cyprus, at least for EU citizens, you may choose whether to have that souvenir stamp in your passport or not.
−
Providing you have the right to enter TRNC, you will get a 90
day visa for most passport holders (EU/US etc) and less for other passport holders. The one day visa used to be granted back in the days when the north would not let in Greeks or Greek Cypriots or anyone with a Greek sounding name and as a result the South would only allow day trips to the North for everyone else. There was also a reason given from the Greek Cypriot point of view that you would be using stolen property if you stayed overnight in a hotel in the north. You could only cross at the Ledra Palace crossing, only on foot, only between
8am
and
1pm
, and you had to be back by
6pm
. The day trip visa was issued at the TRNC checkpoint for the cost of one Cypriot pound. It hasn't been used for 10 years now.
+
Providing you have the right to enter TRNC, you will get a 90
-
day visa for most passport holders (EU/US etc
.
) and less for other passport holders. The one day visa used to be granted back in the days when the north would not let in Greeks or Greek Cypriots or anyone with a Greek sounding name and as a result the South would only allow day trips to the North for everyone else. There was also a reason given from the Greek Cypriot point of view that you would be using stolen property if you stayed overnight in a hotel in the north. You could only cross at the Ledra Palace crossing, only on foot, only between
8AM
and
1PM
, and you had to be back by
6PM
. The day trip visa was issued at the TRNC checkpoint for the cost of one Cypriot pound. It hasn't been used for 10 years now.
Beware that if you are not a European citizen and you enter the island at the north, the officials in the south may deny you the entry, though there have been reports that this rule is not strictly implemented, especially for Canadian and US citizens. For European citizens, entry to both sides constitutes no problem.
Beware that if you are not a European citizen and you enter the island at the north, the officials in the south may deny you the entry, though there have been reports that this rule is not strictly implemented, especially for Canadian and US citizens. For European citizens, entry to both sides constitutes no problem.
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Alternatively - to avoid paying a "travel operator" - you can walk across the border at Ledra Street. There is a small tourist information "kiosk" on the left as soon as you cross.
Alternatively - to avoid paying a "travel operator" - you can walk across the border at Ledra Street. There is a small tourist information "kiosk" on the left as soon as you cross.
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===By boat===
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===By boat===
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Frequent ferry services operated by '''
Fergün Shipping'''
[http://www.fergun.net/uk/index.htm] connect [[Kyrenia]] to [[Alanya]] and [[Taşucu]] in Turkey. The only car ferry service is via Taşucu, and the fast ferry to and from Alanya only operates in the summer. There are occasional ferries to other destinations in Turkey as well.
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Frequent ferry services operated by '''[http://www.fergun.net/uk/index.htm
Fergün Shipping
]
'''
connect [[Kyrenia]] to [[Alanya]] and [[Taşucu]] in Turkey. The only car ferry service is via Taşucu, and the fast ferry to and from Alanya only operates in the summer. There are occasional ferries to other destinations in Turkey as well.
===By car===
===By car===
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===Going to and from the Republic of Cyprus===
===Going to and from the Republic of Cyprus===
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After the accession of Cyprus to the European Union, the restrictions on travel to the north from the Republic have been lifted. From the EU's point of view, the entire island is a part of its territory and thus, there can be no restrictions on EU citizens (including Cypriots) traveling across the Green Line.
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After the accession of Cyprus to the European Union, the restrictions on travel to the north from the Republic have been lifted. From the EU's point of view, the entire island is a part of its territory and thus, there can be no restrictions on EU citizens (including Cypriots) traveling across the Green Line.
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EU citizens may thus now cross the Green Line provided that they have entered Cyprus from a legal point of entry (airport or port declared open by the Republic of Cyprus) Other nationalities may be arrested and deported by Greek-Cypriot authorities if they entered the island via the north.
+
EU citizens may thus now cross the Green Line provided that they have entered Cyprus from a legal point of entry (airport or port declared open by the Republic of Cyprus) Other nationalities may be arrested and deported by Greek-Cypriot authorities if they entered the island via the north.
The main crossings between the south and north are:
The main crossings between the south and north are:
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==Get around==
==Get around==
===By bus or dolmuş/shared taxis===
===By bus or dolmuş/shared taxis===
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Public transport is in a pathetic state in Northern Cyprus. The main cities (Nicosia, Famagusta and Kyrenia) are connected by buses run by the İtimat company, but these services stop after
6 pm
. You can check the bus terminals of these cites for other buses, and there are usually buses that run once a day to and from rural areas (though these tend to bring commuters to Nicosia in the morning and leave at night). Bus services within cities are in a better condition, though these stop at late hours as well. Ercan Airport is rather well-connected to the main cities with buses.
+
Public transport is in a pathetic state in Northern Cyprus. The main cities (Nicosia, Famagusta and Kyrenia) are connected by buses run by the İtimat company, but these services stop after
6PM
. You can check the bus terminals of these cites for other buses, and there are usually buses that run once a day to and from rural areas (though these tend to bring commuters to Nicosia in the morning and leave at night). Bus services within cities are in a better condition, though these stop at late hours as well. Ercan Airport is rather well-connected to the main cities with buses.
"Dolmuş" or "kombos" are excellent options for budget travelers. These are shared taxis that stop for people who wave them down. The price of travelling between major cities and towns via dolmus (around 4-5 TL) are much lower than taxis, however, there are no schedules. Dolmus run often, and backpackers should be able to locate them in a few minutes. In city centers, there are usually plenty of dolmus options going to many cities, though late hours are still problemmatic.
"Dolmuş" or "kombos" are excellent options for budget travelers. These are shared taxis that stop for people who wave them down. The price of travelling between major cities and towns via dolmus (around 4-5 TL) are much lower than taxis, however, there are no schedules. Dolmus run often, and backpackers should be able to locate them in a few minutes. In city centers, there are usually plenty of dolmus options going to many cities, though late hours are still problemmatic.
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***'''Golden Beach''' - dubbed as the most beautiful beach in the whole island, and one of the longest beaches in the island, this idyllic beach is located close to the tip of the peninsula, [[Dipkarpaz]]. The color of the water and the sea is unmatched and with all its remoteness, brings to mind the stereotypical Pacific beaches. However, there are no facilities, so be careful.
***'''Golden Beach''' - dubbed as the most beautiful beach in the whole island, and one of the longest beaches in the island, this idyllic beach is located close to the tip of the peninsula, [[Dipkarpaz]]. The color of the water and the sea is unmatched and with all its remoteness, brings to mind the stereotypical Pacific beaches. However, there are no facilities, so be careful.
***'''[[Bafra]]''' - this long beach is the subject of heavy investment, with many hotels such as Kaya Artemis Hotel (contains aquapark) and Noah's Ark Hotel recently being built, so this could be a destination for those looking for luxury. Part of the beach is operated by the municipality and is free of charge.
***'''[[Bafra]]''' - this long beach is the subject of heavy investment, with many hotels such as Kaya Artemis Hotel (contains aquapark) and Noah's Ark Hotel recently being built, so this could be a destination for those looking for luxury. Part of the beach is operated by the municipality and is free of charge.
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**The '''eastern coast''', again containing big facilities such as
Salamis Bay Conti Hotel
[http://www.salamisbay-conti.com/]
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**The '''eastern coast''', again containing big facilities such as [http://www.salamisbay-conti.com/
Salamis Bay Conti Hotel
]
***'''Palm Beach''' - located next to the ghost town Varosha/Maraş, this surely is an interesting beach. There were reports of pollution due to an oil spill in July 2013, but the locals continue to frequent it.
***'''Palm Beach''' - located next to the ghost town Varosha/Maraş, this surely is an interesting beach. There were reports of pollution due to an oil spill in July 2013, but the locals continue to frequent it.
***'''Glapsides Beach''' - a classical scene for Northern Cyprus, golden sands with good facilities
***'''Glapsides Beach''' - a classical scene for Northern Cyprus, golden sands with good facilities
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Also be sure and check thoroughly that the property (whether a house or land) intended for purchase in North Cyprus, was not originally (and still legally is according to international law) owned by a Greek Cypriot (prior to the war in 1974 and abandoned as a result).
Also be sure and check thoroughly that the property (whether a house or land) intended for purchase in North Cyprus, was not originally (and still legally is according to international law) owned by a Greek Cypriot (prior to the war in 1974 and abandoned as a result).
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There is a risk, if the property was once owned by a Greek Cypriot, that the buyers could face legal action in the Republic of Cyprus and elsewhere in the EU, including the United Kingdom, from where most foreign buyers come from. The buyer could likely be ordered by the (Greek) Cypriot, British or other EU member courts to pay legal fees to their legal Greek Cypriot owner. There has only ever been one case where this has in any way happened, however, known as the '''Orams case''' [http://www.embargoed.org/downloads/Orams-Property_Factsheet_11Nov09.pdf], where no money was ever paid to the plaintiff. More recently, the '''
Demopoulos'''
[http://immovablepropertycommission.org] case of 2010 led to the European Court of Human Rights recognising that the current owners of property in Northern Cyprus have rights over their land and ruling that the Immovable Property Commission of Northern Cyprus is the correct place for future disputes to be settled.
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There is a risk, if the property was once owned by a Greek Cypriot, that the buyers could face legal action in the Republic of Cyprus and elsewhere in the EU, including the United Kingdom, from where most foreign buyers come from. The buyer could likely be ordered by the (Greek) Cypriot, British or other EU member courts to pay legal fees to their legal Greek Cypriot owner. There has only ever been one case where this has in any way happened, however, known as the '''Orams case''' [http://www.embargoed.org/downloads/Orams-Property_Factsheet_11Nov09.pdf], where no money was ever paid to the plaintiff. More recently, the '''[http://immovablepropertycommission.org
Demopoulos
]
'''
case of 2010 led to the European Court of Human Rights recognising that the current owners of property in Northern Cyprus have rights over their land and ruling that the Immovable Property Commission of Northern Cyprus is the correct place for future disputes to be settled.
==Eat==
==Eat==
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Although 99% Turkish Cypriots are [[Islam|Sunni Muslims]], the vast majority of Turkish Cypriots are overwhelmingly secular. Unlike mainland Turks and Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots are not conservative and many do not actually practice the religion. For example, alcohol is frequently consumed by Turkish Cypriots and women dress casually (Headscarves and veils are very rare and are limited to very few deeply religious women and some elderly women). Religion only plays a limited role within the community, for example, with the circumcision of Turkish Cypriot boys at a young age due to religious reasons, as well as with funerals, and occasionally religious weddings by an imam, which is symbolic, as only civil weddings are recognized by the strictly secular Turkish Cypriot state.
Although 99% Turkish Cypriots are [[Islam|Sunni Muslims]], the vast majority of Turkish Cypriots are overwhelmingly secular. Unlike mainland Turks and Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots are not conservative and many do not actually practice the religion. For example, alcohol is frequently consumed by Turkish Cypriots and women dress casually (Headscarves and veils are very rare and are limited to very few deeply religious women and some elderly women). Religion only plays a limited role within the community, for example, with the circumcision of Turkish Cypriot boys at a young age due to religious reasons, as well as with funerals, and occasionally religious weddings by an imam, which is symbolic, as only civil weddings are recognized by the strictly secular Turkish Cypriot state.
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However secular and liberal the Turkish Cypriots are on religion, it is extremely rude to insult or mock some of its traditions, and ensure that you do not speak badly of the Islamic religion. In regard to the Call to Prayer, which is read 5 times a day from the speakers of mosques throughout North Cyprus. Do not mock or mimic these calls, as Turkish Cypriots will be very offended.
+
However secular and liberal the Turkish Cypriots are on religion, it is extremely rude to insult or mock some of its traditions, and ensure that you do not speak badly of the Islamic religion. In regard to the Call to Prayer, which is read 5 times a day from the speakers of mosques throughout North Cyprus. Do not mock or mimic these calls, as Turkish Cypriots will be very offended.
'''Politics:'''
'''Politics:'''
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It is best to avoid discussion of the various merits of the Greek-Turkish divide and the violent events beginning in 1963 to 1974, with the end result being the occupation of the northern and eastern 40% of the island by Turkey, as the vast majority of Turkish Cypriots are very nationalistic and sensitive on this issue.
+
It is best to avoid discussion of the various merits of the Greek-Turkish divide and the violent events beginning in 1963 to 1974, with the end result being the occupation of the northern and eastern 40% of the island by Turkey, as the vast majority of Turkish Cypriots are very nationalistic and sensitive on this issue.
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Openly denigrating or insulting symbols of the state, especially the flag or Kemal Atatürk are liable to cause deep offense and possibly result in charges.
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Openly denigrating or insulting symbols of the state, especially the flag or Kemal Atatürk are liable to cause deep offense and possibly result in charges.
'''Etiquette :'''
'''Etiquette :'''
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[[WikiPedia:Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus]]
[[WikiPedia:Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus]]
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[[Dmoz:Regional/
Middle_East
/Cyprus/
Northern_Cyprus
/]]
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[[Dmoz:Regional/
Middle East
/Cyprus/
Northern Cyprus
/]]
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{{isPartOf|Europe}}
{{isPartOf|Europe}}